In brief: Dodgers say fan's attackers liable

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers and owner Frank McCourt say two men accused of beating up Giants fan Bryan Stow in the Dodger Stadium parking on opening day should be held liable for potentially tens of millions of dollars in a family lawsuit.

Attorney Jerome Jackson filed a cross-complaint last week that argues Marvin Norwood and Louis Sanchez — not the team — are to blame for the brain damage that Stow suffered in March.

They've pleaded not guilty to mayhem.

Stow's negligence and liability lawsuit, filed earlier this year, only blames the Dodgers organization and McCourt for the attack, alleging poor lighting and security problems at the ballpark. The cross-complaint adds Stow's alleged attackers as defendants.

A call to Stow family attorney Tom Girardi wasn't immediately returned Thursday.

NCAA

Board approves sweeping reforms

INDIANAPOLIS — The scandal-plagued NCAA is moving swiftly to clean up its image.

On Thursday, the Division I Board of Directors approved a package of sweeping reforms that gives conferences the option of adding more money to scholarship offers, schools the opportunity to award scholarships for multiple years, imposes tougher academic standards on recruits and changes the summer basketball recruiting model.

"It was one of the most aggressive and fullest agendas the board has ever faced," NCAA President Mark Emmert said. "They moved with dispatch on it, and I think they're taking positive steps for schools and student-athletes."

For decades, outsiders have debated whether college scholarships should include more than just the cost of tuition, room and board, books and fees. Now they can.

The board approved a measure allowing conferences to vote on providing up to $2,000 in spending money, or what the NCAA calls the full cost-of-attendance. Emmert insists it is not pay-for-play, merely the reintroduction of a stipend that existed for college athletes until 1972. He also compared it to the stipends received by other students who receive non-athletic scholarships.

TENNIS

Kvitova beats Wozniacki in 2 sets

ISTANBUL — Petra Kvitova dominated top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Championships on Thursday, winning 6-4, 6-2 to hand the Dane her second loss at the season-ending tournament.

Kvitova earned an early break in the first set and never looked troubled the rest of the way, hitting 36 winners compared to just six for Wozniacki, who never earned a break point.

GOLF

McIlroy leads Shanghai Masters

SHANGHAI — U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy shot an 8-under 64 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead in the Shanghai Masters, the lucrative invitational tournament that isn't sanctioned by any of the major tours.

The 22-year-old star from Northern Ireland had eight birdies — five on the back nine — in his bogey-free round on Lake Malaren's Jack Nicklaus-designed Masters course.

NFL

Stafford works with first team

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford worked with the first team at practice Thursday, a sign of progress after he hurt his ankle last weekend.

"He has improved," coach Jim Schwartz said. "I think that he's on a pretty good track right now."

Veteran safety Harris released

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Chicago has released veteran safety Chris Harris after he asked for a trade, ending his second run with the team.

Harris started in the Bears' 24-18 victory over Tampa Bay in London on Sunday with Major Wright nursing a hip injury. He had been benched for the Bears' win over Minnesota the previous week.

Running back Hillis not practicing

BEREA, Ohio — Peyton Hillis' bumpy season has hit another pothole.

Hillis did not practice Thursday, one day after he returned from a strained left hamstring that kept him out of Sunday's game. On Wednesday, Hillis practiced for the first time since getting hurt in the Browns' Oct. 16 game at Oakland.